Bellatrix Aerospace: Powering the Future of Space Mobility from India – by Ritwaj Ranjan, Space News Contributor – India, Interplanetary.tv – Photo caption: Yashas Karanam (left) & Rohan Ganapathy (right), Bellatrix Aerospace Cofounders – Photo credit: Selvaprakash Lakshamanan for Forbes India – Video credit: Bellatrix Aerospace – Bellatrix Unbound (Episode #1) podcast interviewed ISRO’s First Woman Project Director — In the ever-evolving realm of space technology, India has steadily risen as a powerhouse, thanks in no small part to trailblazing private space startups. Among the most innovative players in this field is Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based company founded by Rohan Ganapathy, Nuthan Prasanna, and Yashas Karanam. With a bold vision to revolutionize in-space propulsion and mobility, Bellatrix is making significant strides in developing satellite thrusters and futuristic concepts like space taxis — vital for the next generation of orbital logistics.

The Mission: Making In-Space Mobility Efficient

Bellatrix Aerospace was born out of a clear need: to develop efficient, reliable, and compact propulsion systems that would enable satellites to maneuver in space, maintain their orbit, and avoid collisions. Traditionally, propulsion systems have been bulky, expensive, and inefficient — characteristics that Bellatrix aimed to overcome using advanced engineering and novel propellants. The startup’s core focus lies in electric propulsion systems. Unlike chemical thrusters that rely on combustion, electric propulsion uses electricity (often from solar panels) to ionize and accelerate a propellant. This approach offers higher fuel efficiency and longer operational life — ideal for modern satellites that must operate for years in low-Earth or geostationary orbit.

Innovation at the Heart.

Bellatrix gained early recognition for its microwave plasma thruster, an innovation that drew attention from academia, industry, and government stakeholders. Since then, the company has developed a range of propulsion systems, including Hall-effect thrusters; Green chemical propulsion systems (non-toxic alternatives to traditional hydrazine-based systems); CubeSat propulsion modules, tailored for the growing small-satellite market. These products are engineered to support everything from nano-satellites to heavier payloads, making Bellatrix one of the few Indian companies offering such a diverse propulsion portfolio.

The Space Taxi Concept.

One of Bellatrix Aerospace’s most ambitious visions is the space taxi — a maneuverable orbital vehicle designed to transport satellites or payloads between different orbits. As satellite constellations become more complex, there’s a growing need for orbital logistics — the ability to reposition, repair, or de-orbit satellites without launching a new rocket each time. Bellatrix’s space taxi would function much like a tugboat in space, ferrying payloads from low Earth orbit (LEO) to higher orbits or specialized trajectories. This has far-reaching implications for commercial satellite operations, defense applications, and even deep space exploration support missions.

Bellatrix Aerospace’s milestones:*2011: The founding team began working on space propulsion technology ideas, including Microwave Plasma Thrusters, before formally establishing the company.*2015: Bellatrix Aerospace was officially founded as a private aerospace and small satellite propulsion company headquartered in Bengaluru, India.*2016: The company started collaboration with ISRO on developing patented electric propulsion systems running on water as propellant.*2019: Initially proposed development of a small-lift orbital launch vehicle named Chetak powered by methane-fueled Aeon engines; later pivoted to focus exclusively on propulsion systems by 2022. *2021-2022: Successfully tested and launched two propulsion systems, Arka (electric propulsion) and Rudra (green chemical propulsion), on ISRO’s PSLV C-58 rocket, achieving space qualification.*June 2022: Raised $8 million in a Series A funding round to advance in-space propulsion system development.*October 2024: Signed a contract with NewSpace India Limited to integrate the Pushpak Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) for ISRO launch missions, enabling cost-effective satellite orbit transfers and multi-orbit deployments, with the first launch expected in early 2026.*April 2025: Expanded into the US market by establishing a subsidiary in Delaware, appointing Chris MacDonald as VP to lead US operations and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a major satellite manufacturer for propulsion partnership.*Ongoing: Bellatrix continues to innovate in green propulsion technologies, including the world’s first commercial microwave plasma thrusters using water as fuel, and has onboarded multiple customers for its propulsion solutions.

Made in India, for the World.

What makes Bellatrix Aerospace stand out is its commitment to indigenously developed technology. The company designs and manufactures its propulsion systems in-house, allowing for tight quality control and customized engineering. Headquartered at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus in Bengaluru, Bellatrix benefits from being embedded in India’s leading research ecosystem. The startup has also collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and attracted investor interest for its commercially viable and environmentally sustainable propulsion systems. Its vision aligns with India’s larger push to foster private participation in space, through organizations like IN-SPACe and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center.

The Road Ahead

With space rapidly becoming a multi-trillion dollar industry, companies like Bellatrix Aerospace are critical to building infrastructure in orbit. By focusing on propulsion — a crucial but often overlooked component — Bellatrix is positioning itself as a backbone of the future space economy. In the coming years, expect Bellatrix to not only serve satellite manufacturers and space agencies but also to play a pivotal role in orbital logistics, space debris mitigation, and interplanetary missions. As India’s space ambitions continue to soar, Bellatrix Aerospace is ensuring there’s enough thrust to get there — and the fuel to go even farther.

–– Ritwaj Ranjan 

About the Author.

Ritwaj Ranjan is a full-stack web and mobile applications software engineer from Bangalore, India, and, space news contributor to Interplanetary Television. With a strong foundation in frontend and backend development technologies, he has worked at Othor.ai and Bhopal. He has designed and deployed over 20 user-centric interfaces with React.js, resulting in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores. Ranjan has also led a team in website development, resulting in a 40% increase in client customization efficiency.